It is inevitable, I guess, in light of the recent troubles that have befallen consumers and our economy that some—scholarly types—would, in the search for solutions, and in order to prevent a recurrence, suggest that homeownership itself may be to blame. Recently, the Harvard Joint Center on Housing Studies released a report entitled: Getting on the Right Track: Improving Low-Income and Minority Access to Mortgage Credit. One mortgage industry publication summarized the report’s views on homeownership in this way:Click to continue

In light of making NMP's "40 Most Influential Mortgage Pros Under 40" list again in 2012, I wanted to share a few thoughts on what has influenced me throughout the last several years of crisis in our industry.

It's a toss up deciding what's been harder in recent years: slogging through the mortgage and housing meltdown from 2007 through 2010, or having spotty jumbo product from 2011 to mid-2012.Click to continue

 Thank you all for the wonderful thoughts and prayers you've send to the NMP team and their families. Some of us have taken on some property damage, but it's all stuff that can be replaced.Click to continue

In January of 2013, the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau (CFPB) becomes “THE” mortgage regulator for all institutions. Regardless of who wins the elections, it will be very improbable that it will change. It will take a super majority in the Senate (60 votes) to cut off a filibuster to change or abolish the CFPB. The CFPB can make changes that affect Real Estate Mortgage Loan Officers (RMLO) immediately and without prior notice.Click to continue

Someone asked me Friday on Twitter where he can learn about starting a mortgage company. Here's how we narrowed it down to retail mortgage, which is what I do:

@appflyer just register for the 10 year term at any nearby school of hard knocks. joking. retail or banking/trading? Click to continue

Last week, I received a call from prospect who stated he was looking for some new, out of the box, “fresh” ideas to drive sales activity. It turns out that after speaking with this gentleman for about 10 minutes I uncovered that he wanted a “magic bullet” because he simply did not have the budget to do anything meaningful and sustaining. He needed a quick hit.Click to continue

We all hear about the importance of blogging for driving our mortgage business and enhancing our competitive positioning. This is true. Blogging is important for many reasons ...

►Positions you as an expert in your industry in the communities you serve
►Builds trust with your prospective borrowers, referrers and current referral base
►Unlocks hidden ideas in your own mind that drive further lending insights which can help stir up your audience and drive more traffic
►Drives search trafficClick to continue

Are you confused by the concept of content marketing, the importance or what it even is? If you are, that’s ok…you’re not alone even by a long shot. Let’s start with a definition. According to Wikipedia, “Content marketing is an umbrella term encompassing all marketing formats that involve the creation and sharing of content in order to attract, acquire and engage clearly defined and understood current and potential consumer bases with the objective of driving profitable customer action.”

Some types of content marketing include:Click to continue

Can you believe it’s been almost five years since 2007 and the start of the drastic changes and events in both real estate and financing? Time flies when you’re in crisis mode trying to survive, and few people know that better than homeowners who have been hunkered down trying desperately to hold on to their homes. Times are changing, thanks to our ability to adapt and adjust; and there are some more reasons to keep your eyes aimed towards FHA loans (both new purchases and refinances) this coming June. Click to continue

I hope not! But how can I say this? You must think I’m crazy right now. So, let me explain ...

I talk to many companies in the industry each day. Even many of the early adopters of social networking talk about their social strategies and how they have special departments set up exclusively to leverage various social venues. Their goals include the following ...Click to continue